Books matching: humor in serious issues
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'The Break' by Marian Keyes is a contemporary novel that follows Amy, a woman in her forties, who faces a crisis when her husband, Hugh, unexpectedly announces that he wants a six-month break from their marriage to travel. The book delves into Amy's struggles as she navigates her busy PR career, caring for her daughters, dealing with family dynamics, and confronting her own emotional turmoil. The story is filled with cultural references, realistic characters, and explores themes of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. The writing style is characterized by humor, depth in character development, and a blend of light-hearted moments with more profound reflections.
‘Not twenty-two.’ It’s imperative to shut her down before she utters my age. I don’t know how I got to be forty-four. Clearly I’d my eye off the ball but, a bit late to the party, I’m trying to airbru... - #2
Save:In 'Intrusion' by Ken MacLeod, the story unfolds in a near-future Britain where a genetic cure-all pill called 'the Fix' is mandatory for unborn children, leading to a society where personal choices are infringed upon by the nanny state. The book delves into the moral dilemmas faced by protagonist Hope Morrison, who refuses to take 'the Fix' for her unborn child, sparking a chain of events that challenge societal norms and individual rights. Through a blend of dystopian elements and political commentary, MacLeod crafts a narrative that explores themes of surveillance, personal freedom, and the consequences of a well-meaning society gone wrong.
- #3
Save:'I'm Fine...and Other Lies' by Whitney Cummings is a candid and humorous memoir that delves into the author's personal struggles with issues like eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and codependency. Cummings opens up about her life experiences, societal pressures, and anxieties, offering insightful wisdom and witty observations along the way. Through her writing, she shares her journey of self-discovery and growth, addressing serious topics with a touch of humor and relatability.
Whitney Cummings' writing style in this book is described as clever, funny, and deeply personal. She combines humor with introspection, providing readers with a raw and honest account of her life. Her ability to tackle sensitive subjects like mental health, self-image, and relationships in a light-hearted yet insightful manner makes this memoir a compelling and engaging read.
I have some good news for you. I love you. And because I love you, you’re about to get like a hundred thousand dollars’ worth of psychological therapy for the measly price of this book. I’m not proud ... - #4
Save:'Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World' by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin West delves into how the online world, modern graphics, Big Data, AI, and academic publishing contribute to the challenge of discerning truth. It covers topics like visual displays of data, replication and reproducibility concerns, and the fallacies that can arise when using data to support arguments. The authors aim to immunize readers against BS, particularly focusing on quantitative variety, and provide tips on spotting and refuting misinformation.
The writing style of the book is described as having a light touch, clever writing, and fun examples while addressing serious topics like publication bias, correlation versus causation, and selection biases in data. It educates readers on how to differentiate between legitimate information and misleading statistics, charts, and graphs, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the ability to refute BS in a data-driven world.
We impose strong social sanctions on liars. If you get caught in a serious lie, you may lose a friend. You may get punched in the nose. You may get sued in a court of law. Perhaps worst of all, your d... - #5
Save:'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' by Joya Goffney follows the story of Quinn, an avid list-maker who is blackmailed into facing her worst fears when her journal goes missing. Throughout the book, Quinn navigates the challenges of losing her journal, her struggles with self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The plot revolves around Quinn's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to confront her fears with the help of her friends, especially Carter Bennett.
The writing style of 'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' is engaging and heartwarming, with a focus on themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming challenges. Readers are drawn into Quinn's world as she grapples with issues of identity, relationships, and the impact of social expectations on her life. The book skillfully weaves together elements of romance, family dynamics, and discussions on race while highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's flaws.
Carter sighs. He’s sitting in the grass across from me, his arms hugging his kneecaps, arguing with Auden. I’m too distracted to pay attention, watching Carter roll up the sleeves of his T-shirt, the ... - #6
Save:'Fallen Star' by Susannah Nix follows the story of Scott, a recovering addict and actor, who is trying to make a comeback in the film industry. Grace, the script supervisor, initially holds a negative opinion of Scott due to his past, but as they spend more time together on set, she begins to see a different side of him. The book explores their evolving relationship from initial animosity to friendship and eventually to romance, amidst the backdrop of the challenges and dynamics of Hollywood life.
The narrative in 'Fallen Star' is a blend of a heartfelt romance and an exploration of the struggles faced by individuals in the entertainment industry. Through the characters of Scott and Grace, the author delves into themes of addiction, recovery, redemption, and the complexities of relationships in a celebrity-driven world. The slow-burn romance between the two protagonists is highlighted by well-written banter, emotional depth, and a realistic portrayal of their vulnerabilities and personal growth.
(Also, see 26 recommendations for the series Starstruck ) - #7
Save:'The Wallcreeper' by Nell Zink is a strange and haunting story that delves into themes of sex, separation, and wandering. The plot follows the protagonist's unconventional lifestyle, filled with adultery and acceptance, set in an offbeat contemporary style. The writing style is described as witty and edgy, with a mix of colloquial and lyrical language, exploring topics such as relationships, sex, bird watching, and environmental issues.
I was looking at the map when Stephen swerved, hit the rock, and occasioned the miscarriage. Immediately obvious was my sticky forehead. Maybe I was unconscious for a couple of seconds, I don’t know. ... - #8
Save:The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes follows the story of Helen Walsh, a private investigator hired to find a missing boy band member. The book delves into themes of depression, relationships, and family dynamics, all wrapped in a light mystery plot. Readers praised the well-developed characters, sarcastic humor, and the author's skill in blending serious issues with comedic elements.
I was thinking about food. Stuck in traffic, it’s what I do. What any normal person does, of course, but now that I thought about it, I hadn’t had anything to eat since seven o’clock this morning, abo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Walsh Family ) - #9
Save:'Lost At Sea: The Jon Ronson Mysteries' by Jon Ronson is a collection of articles investigating the eccentricities of society with a mix of curiosity and detached irony. Ronson delves into various topics, from exploring the hidden lives of public figures like Insane Clown Posse to uncovering the dark truths behind psychic Sylvia Browne. The book offers a blend of amusing and thought-provoking stories, ranging from humorous recreations of James Bond's habits to sobering tales of murder-suicides and financial ruin.
Ronson's writing style is described as idiosyncratic, combining childlike wonderment with a skeptical journalistic approach. He delves into themes of religion, pseudo-religious beliefs, and societal oddities, showcasing his ability to empathize with even the most peculiar characters. Through his investigations, Ronson uncovers the complexities of human behavior, shedding light on both the extraordinary and the dark sides of humanity.
Milwaukee. A bad part of town. From all around, thousands of young men and women, wearing clown face paint, are descending upon a disused indoor swimming pool that has been transformed into a music ve... - #10
Save:In "Undercover Bromance," the second book in the Bromance Book Club series by Lyssa Kay Adams, the story follows Liv, a pastry chef who is fired from her job after witnessing sexual harassment. She teams up with Braden Mack, the founder of the Bromance Book Club, and his friends to take down her former boss. The book tackles themes of empowerment, consent, and the dynamics of workplace harassment, all while delivering a mix of humor, romance, and light-hearted mystery. The characters are well-developed, the banter is entertaining, and the writing style keeps readers engaged with a blend of romance and social commentary.
He turned off the engine, silenced his cell phone, and shoved it in the pocket of his leather jacket. As he exited his car, the men in the other vehicle did the same. One by one, their hulking frames ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bromance Book Club )
